Devils defenseman Marek Zidlicky says he was embarrassed after allowing Sidney Crosby to chip the puck past him for scoring chances on two different plays Sunday night in Pittsburgh, but it won't hurt his confidence heading towards the playoffs.

That is the difference between a veteran like Zidlicky and 19-year-old rookie Adam Larsson, who will sit out his second straight game.

"It's embarrassing, but you can't let it bother you on your next shift or in your next couple of games," Zidlicky told The Star-Ledger. "I know he scored a goal on one, but that's what happens. That's hockey. You have to be ready on your next shift to do the right thing. You can't be thinking about your mistakes."

If the Devils face the Penguins again in the playoffs, Zidlicky says he'll be ready for Crosby.

"He's a tough guy. You have to make sure if he's beside you, don't play the puck. Play him," Zidlicky said. "That's what happened when we played Pittsburgh. I tried to play the puck. You have to be careful, especially against the top guys."

The Devils need three points tonight to clinch a postseason spot-- any combination of points they gain or the Washington Capitals fail to pick up.

Zidlicky, acquired from the Minnesota Wild on Feb. 24 in the trade for Nick Palmieri, Kurtis Foster Stephane Veilleux and two draft choices, is excited about the upcoming playoffs.

"Oh yes. That's why I wanted to be here," he said. "You play your whole year to be in the playoffs. It's something big for me and I think for everybody. It doesn't matter if you start from first place or eighth place.

"We're down to the last five games and we have to focus on what we're doing and be ready for the playoffs because, for me, it's like the second season. It will be a new start and we have to be ready. We need everybody healthy, to be in good shape, be on the same page and stay focused."